Multi-composition stick product and a process and system for manufacturing the same

ABSTRACT

A multi-composition stick product, such as a lip balm, sun screen, deodorant, or glue stick. The multi-composition stick product including a stick composition molded in the container so as to contact the walls thereof and be advanceable or ejected therefrom. The stick composition includes a first composition and a second composition. The first and second compositions differ in at least one component, such as a medicament, colorant, fragrance, flavorant, sunscreen, preservative, conditioner, moisturizer, emollient, or surfactant. Furthermore the first and second compositions are arranged in a predetermined non-random pattern that is reproducible. Also described is the method and apparatus for manufacturing the multi-composition stick product.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a multi-composition stick productcomprising a molded stick composition, such as a lip balm, sun screendeodorant, or glue stick, provided in a container which serves as themold during manufacture and from which the composition may beadvanced/ejected and retracted. The invention also relates to a processand system for manufacturing the stick product.

DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

Lip balms, deodorants, sunscreens, and glue sticks, usually have asingle homogenous color or fragrance. These products typically areaesthetically neutral or unpleasing. As a result, patients, inparticular, children, often do not apply such topical products and,therefore, do not benefit from these products. For example, childrenoften do not apply a sunscreen lip balm for protecting their lips beforeplaying outside.

Therefore, it is desirable to develop lip balms, deodorants, sunscreens,glue sticks, and related products which are aesthetically pleasing toincrease use of such products and consumer/patient compliance.

Additionally, since lip balm compositions are often the same homogenouscolor and fragrance, patients often cannot identify one lip balmformulation from another. For example, a patient having a lip balm witha sunscreen, e.g., paba, and another without sunscreen, needs to be ableto readily distinguish the two products from one another. Similarly, itwould be desirable to easily identify any specific type of lip balm,deodorant, sunscreen, glue stick, or related product.

Homogenous compositions may be manufactured using conventionaltechniques, such as a nozzle fill or flood fill method. In the nozzlefill method a homogeneous composition is dispensed from a filling nozzledirectly into the container itself, whereas in the flood fill method thecontainer is placed in an opening of a tray and the composition ispoured onto the tray thereby flooding the tray and, in turn, filling thecontainer. These conventional techniques, however, are not suitable foruse in manufacturing a multi-composition stick product, that is, a stickproduct which contains two or more compositions.

Methods have been developed for use in manufacturing multi-colorlipsticks that are manufactured in a mold and then removed andtransferred to a separate container. In such products the compositiondoes not contact the walls of the container in which the product isultimately disposed. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,291,018 discloses amethod for manufacturing a lipstick having a construction of thecore-sheath type which comprises two different compositions arranged asan inner core surrounded by an outer sheath. The formation of acore-sheath type lipstick is realized using a molding body having anupper part and a lower part. A rod is inserted into the molding body andthen the molten mass of the lipstick composition for the molding of thesheath is poured into the cavity and cooled to form the sheath portionaround the rod. Then the rod and upper part of the molding body areremoved thereby forming a core cavity. The upper part is remounted and amolten mass of the composition for the molding of the core is pouredinto the core cavity and cooled to solidify the composition. Thereafter,the upper part is demounted and the molded product is removed from thelower part and mounted in a suitable case to obtain a lipstick. As afinished product the lipstick does not contact the inner walls of thecontainer.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,743,443 discloses a method for manufacturing a tri-colorlipstick divided into three parallel laminae. A T-shaped centrallydisposed insert is placed in a cylindrical cavity main body portion of amold. First and third laminae are poured while maintaining a space forthe later pouring of the second intermediate lamina. Thereafter, theinsert is removed and the second intermediate lamina is poured. Thetri-color lipstick is then removed from the mold and disposed so as notto contact the inner walls of the container.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,786,449 and 4,602,886 teach manufacturing a multi-colormarking implement in a transparent lipstick type container that alsoserves as the mold during the casting process. A variegated colorpattern is built up by dispensing different color compositions,dropwise, into the container. The elimination of the use of a moldbetween colors allows mixing at the interface between adjacent colors,thereby forming a random design. The dropwise method used to generate arandom pattern is also disadvantageously slow.

It is therefore desirable to develop a multi-composition stick productin which the compositions, which preferably differ in at least onecomponent, e.g., color, are arranged in a predetermined non-randompattern that is reproducible, and to develop a method and apparatus formanufacturing the same.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a multi-composition stick productcomprising a container and a molded stick composition disposed so as tocontact the walls of the container and be advanceable and retractable inthe container. To assist in allowing the molded stick composition tofreely advance and retract, the interior walls of the container aresubstantially smooth. The stick composition comprises a firstcomposition and a second composition. The first and second compositionsdiffer in at least one component, i.e., the first or second compositioncontains a component which is not contained in the other composition,and are arranged in a predetermined non-random pattern that isreproducible.

Also disclosed is a method for manufacturing a multi-composition stickproduct as described above. A mold shaft is first inserted into thecontainer and a first composition of stick composition is dispensed intothe container around the mold shaft. The mold shaft is then removed fromthe container to form a cavity and at least a portion of the cavity isfilled with a second composition of stick composition.

In another embodiment of a method for manufacturing themulti-composition stick product in accordance with the present inventiona first composition of stick composition is dispensed into thecontainer. While the first composition is in a molten state, a moldshaft is then inserted into the container so as to displace the firstcomposition therein. Once the first composition is sufficientlysolidified, the mold shaft is removed from the container to form acavity. Finally, at least a portion of the cavity is filled with asecond stick composition.

Furthermore, the invention is directed to a system for carrying out themethod described above. The system includes a filling nozzle including amold shaft insertable into the container and an outer barrier disposedabout at least a portion of the mold shaft so as to form a passagewaybetween the outer barrier and the mold shaft for receiving the firstcomposition.

According to a special aspect of this invention, a stick product isprovided comprising a container and a molded stick composition disposedso as to contact the walls of the container and be advanceable andretractable in the container. Again, the walls of the container may besubstantially smooth to facilitate the movement of the stickcomposition. The container confers a desired shape or design to thestick composition and the stick product. At least a portion of the outerand/or inner contour of the container is non-circular. For example, theouter and inner contours of the container may be heart shaped.Alternatively, the outer contour of the container may be heart shapedwhile the inner contour is circular or vice versa. In this embodiment,the stick composition may have only one phase (homogeneous) or two ormore distinct phases.

An alternative embodiment of a system in accordance with the presentinvention for simultaneously dispensing the first and secondcompositions includes a first filling nozzle for dispensing the firstcomposition and a second filling nozzle for dispensing the secondcomposition. The first and second filling nozzles are connected togetherusing a securing mechanism and, when assembled are capable of beinginserted together into the container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other features of the present invention will be morereadily apparent from the following description and drawings ofillustrative embodiments of the invention wherein like reference numbersrefer to similar elements throughout the several views and in which:

FIG. 1a is a perspective view of an exemplary multi-composition stickproduct advanced from its container in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 1b is a cross-sectional view of the multi-composition stick productof FIG.1a along the line 1 b—1 b;

FIG. 1c is a cross-sectional view of the multi-composition stick productof FIG. 1a along the line 1 c—1 c;

FIG. 1d is a perspective view of a multi-composition stick productadvanced from an exemplary container having the same inner and outerheart shaped contour;

FIG. 1e is a perspective view of a multi-composition stick productadvanced from an exemplary container having a cylindrical outer contourand a heart shaped inner contour;

FIGS. 2a through 2 y are perspective views of exemplary predeterminedpatterns formed by the composition stick;

FIGS. 3a-3 d show the operating steps of a first embodiment of anexemplary nozzle fill system for manufacturing a multi-composition stickproduct in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4a is a perspective view of an alternative filling nozzle inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4b is a cross-sectional view of the filling nozzle in FIG. 4ainserted into a container;

FIG. 5 is the nozzle fill system in FIG. 3a modified-for simultaneouslymanufacturing a plurality of multi-compositions stick products inaccordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 6a-6 e show the operating steps of a second embodiment of anexemplary nozzle fill system for manufacturing a multi-composition stickproduct in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 7a-7 d show the operating steps of a third embodiment of anexemplary nozzle fill system for manufacturing a multi-composition stickproduct in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 8a is a side view of an exemplary multi-nozzle fill system inaccordance with the present invention before being inserted in acontainer;

FIG. 8b is a side view of the exemplary multi-nozzle fill system in FIG.8aafter being inserted in the container:

FIG. 8c is a bottom view of the multi-nozzle along line 8 c—8 cin FIG.8b;

FIGS. 9a-9 f show the operating steps of an exemplary flood fill systemfor manufacturing a multi-composition stick product in accordance withthe present invention; and

FIGS. 10a-10 d show the operating steps of an exemplary cork screwconstruction of a mold or mold shaft for manufacturing amulti-composition stick product in accordance with the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the application the following terms are defined. The side walls maybe substantially smooth to allow the composition to be freely advancedand retracted. The term “stick product” is defined as a productcomprising a container and a stick composition, where the stickcomposition is: (a) manufactured directly in the container in which itis sold, so that the container also serves as a mold during the castingprocess, whereby the composition is in contact with the side walls ofthe container, and (b) advanced/ejected and retracted, such as bymechanical rotation or mechanical force without rotation, through anopen end of the container. The side walls may be substantially smooth toallow the composition to be freely advanced and retracted. The term“stick composition” is defined as a malleable, semi-solid compositionthat is sufficiently solid so as to substantially retain its shape whenadvanced/ejected and retracted from an open end of the container, whilecapable of leaving a desired residue when applied by swiping.

By way of example, the multi-composition stick product in accordancewith the present invention, as well as the apparatus and method formanufacturing the same, is shown and described for a multi-color stickcomposition disposed in a cylindrical housing or container and forming apredetermined design pattern comprising a heart shaped first compositioncore by a second composition sheath.

FIG. 1a is a perspective view of an example multi-composition stickproduct 10 advanced or retracted in the container. The multi-compositionstick product 10 comprises a container 12 and a molded stick composition14 disposed so as to contact the walls of the container and beadvanceable and retractable in the container. The stick composition inFIG. 1a comprises a first composition and a second composition. It is,however, within the intended scope of the invention for the stickcomposition to comprise more than two compositions. The first and secondcompositions are preferably chemically similar materials. In a preferredembodiment, the top surface 16 of the stick composition 14 issubstantially planar.

The term “chemically similar materials” as used herein is defined asmaterials which have substantially the same physical, chemical and/ormedicinal properties under ambient conditions, but which differ in acomponent or components that result in two or more distinct ordistinguishable phases of the composition. The different “component”refers to, for example, a medicament; colorant; fragrance; flavorant;sunscreen; preservative; conditioner, such as a skin conditioning agent;moisturizer; emollient; or surfactant. For example, one composition mayhave one color while the other composition has a different color.Generally, such a component will comprise less than about 20% by weight,preferably less than about 5% by weight, and more preferably, less thanabout 1% by weight of the composition in which it is found, based upon100% by weight of total composition.

The outer and inner contours of the container may be any desired shape,such as cylindrical, square, triangular, or heart shape. The outer andinner contours of the container may be the same, or different, from oneanother. For example, in FIG. 1d the inner and outer contour of thecontainer are the same heart shape, whereas in FIG. 1e the container hasa cylindrical outer contour and a heart shape inner contour.

Preferably, the container is made of a transparent or translucentmaterial so that the consumer may view the predetermined non-randompattern formed by the stick composition through the container.

The compositions of the stick composition disposed in the container arearranged in a predetermined non-random pattern that is reproducible. Anydesired pattern may be selected, for example, a heart (FIGS. 1a-1 d);evergreen tree (FIG. 2a); ying-yang (FIG. 2b); 5-pointed star (FIG. 2c);6-pointed star (FIG. 2d); sun (FIG. 2e); circle (FIG. 2f); half and halfcircle (FIG. 2g); heart with an arrow (FIG. 2h); lateral stripes (FIGS.2i); diagonal stripes (barber pole) (FIG. 2j); longitudinal stripes(FIG. 2k); happy face (FIG. 2l); sad face (FIG. 2m); tree (FIG. 2n);crescent moon (FIG. 2o); cross (FIG. 2p); 4-pointed star (FIG. 2q);flower (FIG. 2r); ellipse (FIG. 2s); wave (FIG. 2t); lightening bolt(FIG. 2u); pinwheel (FIG. 2v); flag (FIG. 2w); lips (FIG. 2x); one ormore alphanumeric letters (FIG. 2y); any other geometric shape, such asa polygon; or any combination of the foregoing. An infinite number ofdifferent permutations are possible by varying the outer and/or innercontour of the container and/or predetermined non-random pattern of thestick composition within the container. Each cross-section perpendicularto the longitudinal axis of the stick composition may contain the samemulticolor image (e.g., for a heart image) or a different multicolorimage (e.g., for an image having horizontal or diagonal stripes).Preferably, there is little, if any, intermixing at the interface of thecompositions so as to maintain the integrity of the predeterminednon-random pattern.

In one embodiment, the stick composition is a lip balm, in which onecomposition of the stick composition contains a sunscreen while theother does not. These two compositions can be arranged, e.g., in a halfcircle pattern, as shown in FIG. 2g, or in a ying-yang pattern, as shownin FIG. 2b. This permits a user to apply lip balm with and withoutsunscreen. For example, the sunscreen-free composition may be appliedwhen the user is indoors, while the sunscreen composition may be appliedwhen the user is outdoors. The sunscreen-containing compositionpreferably has a different color than the non-sunscreen-containingcomposition.

According to another embodiment, to facilitate manufacture the stickcomposition has a first composition or phase having a melting pointgreater than that of the second composition or phase. Introduction ofthe second phase, at a lower temperature will avoid or minimize meltingof the first composition, thus optimizing the design integrity byminimizing mixing at the interface of the two compositions. The meltingpoint of the first composition may be increased by, for example, addingadditional carnuaba wax. Preferably, the melting point of the firstcomposition is at least about 5° C. and more preferably about 10° C.greater than that of the second composition. According to a preferredembodiment, the first composition or phase has a melting point greaterthan about 60° C. and the second composition or phase has a meltingpoint of less than about 60° C.

In another embodiment, two compositions having the same or substantiallythe same melting point may be used, wherein the second composition isdispensed in the container, after the first composition has beendispensed into the container and cooled. The same design integrity canbe achieved by cooling the first composition to a sufficiently lowtemperature so that when the second composition in its molten (liquid orfluid) state at substantially the melting point temperature is dispensedinto the container little, if any, intermixing occurs at the interfacebetween the two compositions.

In yet another embodiment, the melting point of the second compositionmay be higher than the first composition. The first composition iscooled to a temperature, lower than that disclosed above when the twocompositions have substantially the same melting point, before thesecond composition is dispensed into the container. The secondcomposition, when dispensed into the container, is maintained at atemperature substantially equal to its melting point. The temperature ofthe first composition is selected to ensure design integrity withlittle, if any, mixing of the two compositions when the secondcomposition is dispensed into the container at a temperature. Therefore,design integrity can be realized irrespective of whether the meltingpoint of the two compositions is the same or different.

Preferably, one composition contains at least one colorant which is notcontained in the other composition. In other words, in a preferredembodiment the first and second compositions differ in color. The term“color” is defined for the purpose of the description of this inventionto include clear, transparent, opaque, as well as any other color, shadeor tone of the color spectrum. Any number of two or more colors may beused as desired. In such an embodiment, the compositions form a discretemulticolor predetermined image, i.e., an image including two or morecolors. Preferably, the colorants are selected to provide good contrastand be eye catching. For example, the stick composition may contain ared composition and a green composition to form an image of a red heartwith a green background. Attractive, traditional, holiday or nationalcolor combinations are well-known in the art and, though it is notlimited to any particular combinations, desirable for the presentinvention.

The image may be, for example, a red heart on a white or pink field (theterm “field” refers to the background, which is the stick compositionencasing a specific image shape); a green evergreen tree on a red field;a yellow and purple ying-yang; a red or white 5-pointed star on a bluefield; a yellow or white 6-pointed star on a blue field; a yellow sun ona blue field; a red circle on a white field; blue and orange half andhalf circle; a red heart with an arrow on a white field; pink and greenlateral stripes; red and blue or white diagonal stripes (barber pole);red and green longitudinal stripes; a happy face on a yellow field; asad face on a green or blue field; an orange tree on a brown field; awhite crescent moon on a blue field; a red cross on a blue or whitefield; a white 4-pointed star on a blue field; a pink flower on a greenfield; a green ellipse on a yellow field; a white wave on a blue field;a yellow lightening bolt on a blue field; a yellow or pink pinwheel on ared, green, or blue field; a green flag on a white field; red lips on awhite, pink, or brown field; one or more alphanumeric letters; any othergeometric shape, such as a polygon; or any combination of the foregoing.

The only constraint on the number of colors and design pattern selectedis that of the size of the container and the desire to maintain thedifferent color compositions discrete from each other so as tosubstantially prevent mixing at the interface between colors andmaintain the integrity of the predetermined image.

Although, the first and second compositions contain colorants, thecompositions preferably become transparent or translucent when swiped orapplied onto a substrate. Typically, the compositions become transparentor translucent due to the thinness of the film formed or a property ofthe compositions.

Suitable colorants include, but are not limited to, those approved bythe U.S. Food and Drug Administration for application to the skin andlips, such as FD&C colors and D&C colors. Examples of such colorantsinclude, but are not limited to, Red-6 Ca, Red-6 sodium, titaniumdioxide, red iron oxide, Red 21, and Red 27. Preferably, the colorants,such as white, yellow, red, and orange colorants, do not fade uponextreme sun exposure.

The colorant may also be a color changing agent. Color changing agentsinclude agents which change their color and spectroscopic properties inthe visible light and/or ultraviolet spectra, or in response to otherstimuli. Preferred color changing agents include, but are not limitedto, those which change their color in the visible light spectrum. Colorchanging agents may be activated by, for example, moisture and pH. Forexample, a color changing agent may exhibit one color in a moisture-freeenvironment and a second color when in contact with water. The colorchanging property of the agent may be reversible or irreversible, i.e.,the color changing agent may or may not revert back to its originalcolor after being activated and deactivated. Preferably, the colorchanging agent reverts back to its original color after activation anddeactivation. When a color changing agent is activated, a multi-coloredpredetermined reproducible image appears, disappears, or changes color.The image may be any of the aforementioned images. Color changing agentswhich are included in stick compositions intended for topicalapplication typically are non-toxic to the skin and safe to digest.

Suitable color changing agents which are moisture and/or pH activated,include but are not limited to, D&C Red 21, D&C Red 27, and anycombination of any of the foregoing.

The stick composition may be a composition intended for topicalapplication to a person, such as a lip balm, lipstick, lip gloss,deodorant, or sunscreen, or other composition, such as a glue stick. Thestick composition is sufficiently solid to substantially retain itsshape when advanced/ejected and retracted from the container.

Lip Balms

Generally, lip balm stick compositions for topical application comprisea wax or other pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle and, optionally, oneor more medicaments and/or adjuvants. Suitable waxes include, but arenot limited to, petrolatum wax; carnauba wax; paraffin wax; white wax;candelilla wax; beeswax; oils, such as arachidyl propionate, cetylalcohol, isopropyl lanolate, isopropyl myristate, lanolin, mineral oil,light mineral oil, octyldodecanol, oleyl alcohol, ethyl macadamiate,castor oil, jojoba esters, hydrogenated castor oil, hydrogenatedvegetable oil, cetyl ricinoleate, propylene glycol, isopropyl palmitate,stearyl alcohol, and volatile and non-volatile silicone oils; and anycombination of any of the foregoing. Suitable silicone oils include, butare not limited to, polyphenylmethyl siloxane, dimethicone,cyclomethicone, and any combination of any of the foregoing.

Suitable minor components include, but are not limited to, sunscreens(which will also be found in a sunscreen stick), such as octylmethoxycinnamate, octyl dimethyl p-aminobenzoate, actinoquinol,p-aminobenzoic acid, butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, beta-carotene,4-dimethylamino benzoic acid, dioxybenzone, drometrizole, lawsone,sulisobenzene, titanium dioxide, and zinc oxide; preservatives, such asparabens, including but not limited to, methylparaben, isopropylparaben,and isobutylparaben; flavorants; fragrances; colorants, such asbeta-carotene; conditioners, such as skin conditioning agents, includingbut not limited to, the aforementioned waxes and oils, especiallypetrolatum, dimethicone, and polymethylsiloxane; moisturizers;emollients; cleansing agents; antioxidants, such as tocopherol;antistatic agents, such as cocamidopropyl PG-dimonium chloride;stabilizers; and pH adjusters, such as sodium hydroxide and hydrochloricacid. Preferably, each such component is approved for use in or onhumans by the Food and Drug Administration, or corresponding regulatorybodies in other regions or countries.

Suitable lip balm stick bases for the first and second compositions areshown in Tables 1-6 below.

TABLE 1 Exemplary Lip Balm Formulation Compositions 1 and 2 Lip BalmFormula- Lip Balm Formula- Component tion 1 (% w/w) tion 2 (% w/w) WhitePetrolatum USP 45.8 45.2 Arachidyl Propionate 3 3 Camphor 0.8 0.8Carnauba Wax 1 1 Lanolin 5 5 Light Mineral Oil 15 15 Octyldodecanol 5 5Oleyl Alcohol — 2 Paraffin Wax 20.4 20.5 White Wax 2 2 Chapstick ColorMix D&C 0 0.25 Red #6 Barium Lake Flavor 2 0.25

Using formulation 1 as the first composition, and formulation 2 as thesecond composition, two color lip balm designs can be prepared asdescribed above. Moreover, the lighter colored composition(formulation 1) has more flavor.

TABLE 2 Lip Balm Formulation Composition 3 Component % w/w VegetableOil, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, and/or Candelilla 73.2 Wax HydrogenatedVegetable Oil 13 Shea Butter Extract 2 Beeswax 7.8 Carnauba Wax 3.8Flavor 0.02

TABLE 3 Lip Balm Formulation Composition 4 Component % w/w EthylMacadamiate 20 Jojoba Esters 1 Carnauba Wax 5.1 Candelilla Wax 5.1Beewax 3 Hydrogenated Castor Oil 1 Cetyl Ricinoleate 2 Isopropylparaben,Isobutylparaben, and/or Butylparaben 0.1 Titanium Dioxide and/or HybridSunflower Oil 3 Beta-carotene (30%) 0.03 Octyl Methoxycinnamate 5Tocopherol 0.5 Flavor 2 Castor Oil qs

TABLE 4 Lip Balm Formulation Composition 5 Component % w/w DimethiconeNF 2 Cetyl Alcohol NF 6 Silicon Dioxide NF 0.2 Cyclomethicone 7 Colorant0.15 Hydrogenated Polyisobutene¹ 10 Isocetyl Sterate 20.4 MethylparabenNF 0.1 Microcrystalline Wax 25 Propylparaben NF 0.1 Vitamin A PalmitateUSP 0.1 Vitamin E Acetate USP 1 Regent Petrolatum USP 27 Aloe VeraOil-Filtered 1 ¹Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is available as PanalaneH-300 from Amoco Chemical Co. of Chicago, IL.

TABLE 5 Lip Balm Formulation Composition 6 Component % w/w PetrolatumPenreco Amber USP 45 Arachidyl Propionate 3 Carnauba Wax 1 Cocoa ButterNF 5 Isopropyl Lanolate 1.5 Mineral Oil Light NF 14 Octyldodecanol NF4.5 Oleyl Alcohol 1.75 Wax Paraffin 21.75 White Wax NF 2.5²Polyphenylmethylsiloxane is available as Dow Corning 556 fluid from DowCorning of Dow Chemical USA of Midland, MI.

TABLE 6 Lip Balm Formulation Composition 7 Component % w/w White Wax 2Carnauba Wax 1 Isopropyl Myristate 1 Wax Paraffin 22 Oxybenzone 3.5White Petrolatum 42 Isopropyl Lanolate 1.8 Octyl Methoxycinnamate 7.5Octyldodecanol 4.7 Light Mineral Oil 12 Flavor 2.5

Other suitable lip balm bases for the first and second compositionsinclude, but are not limited to, those described in Cosmetic andToiletry Formulations, Cosmetic and Toiletry, Vol. 1, pp. 166, 488-489(1989), which are herein incorporated by reference.

Sunscreen Sticks

The sunscreen stick compositions of the invention are analogous to thelip balm compositions. However, sunscreen sticks may use different waxesand active ingredients.

Suitable waxes for sunscreen compositions include, but are not limitedto, the waxes for lip balms above.

The sunscreen composition will include a sunscreen, such as octylmethoxycinnamate, octyl dimethyl p-aminobenzoate, actinoquinol,p-aminobenzoic acid, butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, beta-carotene,4-dimethylamino benzoic acid, oxybenzone, dioxybenzone, drometrizole,lawsone, sulisobenzene, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, and anycombination of any of the foregoing. Suitable sunscreens and theirabsorbance ranges and approved concentrations are shown in Table 7below.

TABLE 7 Sunscreen Ingredients Approved Absorbance Concentra- ComponentRange (nm) tion (% w/w) Amino benzoic acid 260-313  5-15 Glycerylaminobenzoate 264-315 2-3 Padimate O 290-315 1.4-8   Ethyl4-[bis(hydroxypropyl)] aminobenzoate 280-330 1-5 Methyl anthranilate260-380 3 Dioxyberizone 260-380 3 Oxybenzone 270-350 2-6 sulisobenzone260-375  5-10 Cinoxate 270-328 1-3 Diethanolamine methoxycinnamate280-310  8-10 Octyl methoxycinnamate 290-320   2-7.5 Octocrylene 250-360 7-10 Avobenzone 320-400 3 Octyl salicylate 280-320 3-5 Homosalate295-315  4-15 Trolamine salicylate 260-320  5-12 Digalloyl trioleate270-320 2-5 Lawsone with dihydroxyacetone (DHA) 290-400 0.25 (Law-sone), 3 (DHA) Phenylberizimidazole sulfonic acid 290-320 1-4 Redpetrolatum 290-365  30-100 Titanium dioxide 290-770  2-25 Zinc oxide˜200-390    2-25

Preferred sunscreens include, but are not limited to, octylmethoxycinnamate and oxybenzone.

Preferred minor components of the sunscreen composition include amedicament; colorant; fragrance; and conditioner.

Stick Deodorants

The deodorant stick compositions of the invention are analogous to thelip balm and sunscreen compositions. However, deodorants use differentwaxes and active ingredients. Moreover, according to this aspect of theinvention, a deodorant gel and “white” solid deodorant/antiperspirantcan be used as the different compositions.

Typical compounds (high molecular weight hydrocarbons, alcohols, andacids) included in deodorant compositions include, but are not limitedto, stearic acid, stearyl alcohol, propylene glycol, cyclomethicone, andany combination of any of the foregoing.

The deodorant compositions will also include one or more deodorants,such as (though not limited to) cocamidopropyl PG-dimonium chloridephosphate, abietic acid, aluminum citrate, aluminum PCA, azadirachtaindicia extract, chlorophyllin-copper complex, eugenia jambolanaextract, farnesol, fermented vegetable extract, ginger lily (Hedychiumspicatum) extract, α-glucan-oligosaccharide, mauritia flexosa extract,octoxyglycerin, salvia miltiorrhiza extract, sandalwood (Santalum album)extract, sodium aluminum chlorohydroxy lactate, spondias amara extract,triethyl citrate, zinc phenolsulfonate, zinc ricinoleate, and anycombination of any of the foregoing. They may also, or alternatively,contain one or more anti-perspirants, including, but not limited to,allantoin-aluminum chlorohydrate, aluminum capryloyl hydrolyzedcollagen, aluminum chlorhydrex GLY, aluminum chloride, aluminumchlorohydrate, aluminum chlorohydrex, aluminum PCA, aluminumsesquichlorohydrate, aluminum undecylenoyl collagen amino acids,aluminum zirconium pentachlorohydrate, aluminum zirconiumtetrachlorohydrate, aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex GLY, aluminumzirconium trichlorohydrate, aluminum zirconium pentachlorohydrate, sage(Salvia officinalis) extract, tormentil (Potentilla erecta) extract,zirconium chlorohydrate, and any combination of any of the foregoing.

Preferred minor components of the stick deodorant composition include amedicament; colorant; fragrance; and conditioner.

Suitable deodorant formulations for the first and second compositionsare shown in Tables 8 and 9 below.

TABLE 8 Deodorant Formulation 1 Component % w/w Stearic Acid 8 Ethanol73.6 Propylene Glycol 10 Isopropyl Palmitate 5 CocamidopropylPG-dimonium Chloride Phosphate 1 Sodium Hydroxide (50%) 2.4

TABLE 9 Deodorant Formulation 2 Component % w/w Cyclomethicone 45Stearyl Alcohol 19 Dimethcone 5 Aluminum Zirconium Tetrachlorohydrex GLY22 Talc 4 Mineral Oil 2 Hydrogenated Castor Oil 3 Fragrance qs

Glue Sticks

Generally, glue sticks comprise an adhesive. Suitable adhesives include,but are not limited to, starches; dextrins; cellulose ethers, such asmethyl cellulose and carboxymethyl cellulose; starch ethers; and anycombination of any of the foregoing. Glue sticks may further comprisebinders, such as poly(vinyl pyrrolidone), and minor ingredients.Examples of suitable adhesive stick formulations are described in U.S.Pat. Nos. 5,371,131; 5,433,775; and 5,965,657.

Manufacturing Methods and Systems

By way of example, the systems and method for manufacturing themulti-composition stick product in accordance with the present inventionwill now be described in detail for a specific embodiment of amulti-composition stick product wherein the image is a heart. The heartshaped image in FIGS. 3a-3 d is different than that shown in FIGS. 1a-1d in that the sides are curved instead of straight. An example nozzlefill system in accordance with a first embodiment of the presentinvention, is shown in FIGS. 3a-3 d, for filling a single container. Thenozzle fill system includes a container or housing 100 and one or morefilling nozzles 110. Container 100 preferably has a container screw 105projecting upwards from its bottom and a lip 107. The container screw105, when rotated, advances the composition through the open end of thecontainer 100 or retracts the composition back into the container 100.Alternatively, a container shaft projecting from a false bottom may beplaced in the bottom of the container, whereby a mechanical forceimposed on the false bottom advances the stick composition from the openend of the container or retracts the composition back into the container100. The use of a container shaft or container screw may be eliminatedaltogether, whereby the stick composition is advanced or retractedthrough the open end of the container and back down by imposing a forceon a false bottom of the container.

In the example shown in FIGS. 3a-3 d, the container 100 has acylindrical outer contour and a cylindrical inner contour. One or morenozzles 110 are used, in series, to fill the container 100 with thestick composition. The nozzle 110 includes a mold shaft 115 fixedlyconnected to an outer barrier or shield 120 having an inlet nozzle 125connected to a supply source through which the first composition in aliquid state is received, as shown in FIG. 3b. Mold shaft 115, ispreferably concentric with and extends beyond the outer barrier 120 in alongitudinal direction. In FIG. 3a, the exemplary mold shaft 115 has anouter contour in the shape of a heart. Mold shaft 115 may be solid,semi-hollow, or hollow. The term “semi-hollow” is defined as a shaftwhich is divided in a longitudinal direction into a hollow lower portionto be inserted into the container and a solid upper portion. Preferably,the mold shaft 115 is hollow or semi-hollow so as to receive thecontainer screw, when inserted into the container 100.

Operation of the nozzle filling system shown in FIGS. 3a-3 d will now bedescribed in detail. First, in FIGS. 3a and 3 b, the mold shaft 115 isinserted into the container 100. Mold shaft 115 may be inserted so thatit contacts the closed end of the container 100 or, alternatively, maybe inserted only into a portion of the container, e.g., halfway. Asshown in FIG. 3b, a first composition in a liquid state (generallyrealized by heating the composition) is dispensed from the inlet nozzle125 into a passageway, formed between the inner surface of the outerbarrier 120 and outer surface of the mold shaft 115, and drips or flowsinto an outer region or area of the container 100 around the mold shaft115. After filling the outer region or area a desired amount, forexample, to the top of the container, the first composition is allowedto cool and solidify. Then the mold shaft 115 of the filling nozzle isremoved from the container 100 leaving a solid outer region having aninner cavity 130 complementary in shape to that of the mold shaft, asshown in FIG. 3c. In the example shown in FIGS. 3a-3 d, mold shaft 115is hollow. The same filling nozzle 110 may therefore be used to fill thecontainer 100 with both the first and second compositions. In FIG. 3a, asecond supply source of the second composition in a liquid state isdispensed, either directly or indirectly via the top opening of the moldshaft 115, into the cavity 130 in the container formed by removal of themold shaft. A top view of the filed container with the first and secondcompositions is shown in FIG. 3d. Finishing techniques, such as scrapingor glazing, of the top surface of the composition stick may be performedafter the container has been filed.

In an alternative configuration, wherein a solid or semi-hollow moldshaft 115 is used in accordance with the nozzle filling method describedabove, the second composition can not be dispensed through the topopening of the mold shaft 115. Therefore, with this arrangement a secondfilling nozzle having a hollow mold shaft may be used to fill the innercavity 130 of the container with the second composition, or the secondcomposition may be dispensed directly into the cavity of the container.After filling, the second composition is dispensed into the cavity itmay be cooled by generating an air flow in the inlet nozzle.

FIGS. 3a-3 d show only a single container or housing 100 being filled.FIG. 5 is an exemplary nozzle fill system 500 for simultaneouslymanufacturing a plurality of containers using the steps in FIGS. 3a-3 d.By way of example, FIG. 5 shows four containers 100 each having anassociated filling nozzle 110. The system can be modified, as desired,to simultaneously fill any number of containers. An array or pluralityof containers are inserted in respective holes 515 of a supporting tray505. A holding member 510 is capable of supporting an array or pluralityof interchangeable filling nozzles via releaseable locking devices 520,such as a pin, clip or clamp. The arrangement of the holes 515 in thesupporting tray 505 mirrors the arrangement of the releaseable lockingdevices 520 in the holding member, so that when the filling nozzles areinstalled and the holding member 510 is properly aligned with respect tothe supporting tray 505, each of the filling nozzles is disposed above acontainer to be filled. The holding member 510 may be assembled withall, or less than all, of the available releaseable locking devices 520receiving a filling nozzle, as desired. In addition, all or some of theplural filling nozzles inserted into the releaseable locking mechanismsmay be the same or different. The system shown in FIG. 5 may beassembled so that less than all of the holes 515 receive containers.Operation of the system is the same when manufacturing a plurality ofmulti-composition stick products, as that described above in FIGS. 3a-3d with respect to a single multi-composition stick product.

An exemplary alternative configuration of the nozzle fill system isshown in FIG. 4a. This embodiment is similar to that shown in FIG. 3aexcept that instead of the mold shaft 115 extending in a longitudinaldirection beyond the terminating ends of the outer barrier 120, in FIG.4a, the mold shaft 115′ and outer barrier 120′ are substantially equalin length. In operation the filling nozzle is inserted into thecontainer, as shown in FIG. 4a. Thereafter, first and secondcompositions are simultaneously dispensed through the filling nozzle110′ as it is being raised from the container. Specifically, the firstcomposition is dispensed through the inlet nozzle 125′ while the secondcomposition is dispensed through the top opening of the mold shaft 115′.The final image will be a heart shape with intermixing between thecolors at the interface between two compositions.

A third embodiment of an exemplary nozzle fill method for manufacturinga multi-composition stick product in accordance with the presentinvention is shown in FIGS. 6a-6 e. Initially, in FIGS. 6a and 6 b, thefirst composition is dispensed, for example, using an input nozzle 705,so as to partially fill the container 710 while leaving an air space 720between the exposed surface of the first composition and the open end ofthe container. While the first composition is in a liquid state, a moldshaft 725 is inserted into a portion of the container 710 (FIG. 6c),thereby causing the first composition to be displaced and thus, rise inlevel in the container 710. Mold shaft 725 may be solid or have a closedend that when inserted into the container 710 causes the firstcomposition to be displaced by and around the mold shaft 725. After thefirst composition has solidified, the mold shaft 725 is removed, therebyforming or leaving a cavity 730, as shown in FIG. 6d. The secondcomposition in a liquid state is dispensed into the cavity 730, in FIG.6e. Glazing or other finishing techniques may be performed on the topsurface of the multi-composition stick.

FIGS. 7a-7 d show a fourth embodiment of an exemplary nozzle fill methodfor manufacturing a multi-composition stick product in accordance withthe present invention. In FIGS. 7aand 7 b, a mold shaft 805 is insertedinto at least a portion of the container 815 and the first compositionis dispensed either directly or indirectly, for example, using a fillingnozzle 820, into the container 815 and around the mold shaft 805. Themold shaft 805 may be solid or have a closed end. After the firstcomposition has cooled and solidified, the mold shaft 805 is removedfrom the container 815, thereby forming a cavity 825, as shown in FIG.7c. In FIG. 7d, a second composition is then dispensed into the cavity825.

A multi-nozzle system for simultaneously dispensing two or morecompositions into a container may be used to create desired patterns inaccordance with the present invention. Preferably, each nozzle dispensesa composition at a temperature just above melting temperature. Anexemplary dual-nozzle system is shown in FIGS. 8a and 8 b. The systemincludes a first nozzle 705 and a second nozzle 710 connected togetherby a securing mechanism 715, such as a releaseable ring. The firstnozzle 705 has an inlet 721 for receiving a first composition 720 in aliquid state, while the second nozzle 710 receives a second composition725 in a liquid state through a second inlet 726. In operation thenozzles are assembled together by placing the securing mechanism aroundboth devices, and the assembly is then inserted into the container 730,as shown in FIG. 8a, so that the container screw 735 is received in therecess 740 (FIG. 8c). The first and second compositions 720, 725 aresimultaneously dispensed through their respective inlets 721, 726 andnozzles 705, 710 into the container 730 as the assembly is beingwithdrawn from the container, as shown in FIG. 8b. If the assembly andcontainer are kept stationary, the pattern created is a semicircle.However, if either the assembly or container is rotated with respect tothe other, then the design created is that of a spiral shape withintermixing between the colors at the interface between the twocompositions. Although this multi-nozzle system has been shown using twonozzles, any number of two or more nozzles may be used. A variety ofdesigns may be produced, such as a circle divided into an even number ofwedges, a pinwheel, or a spiral, depending on such factors as the numberand shape of the nozzles selected, whether the nozzle or container isrotated with respect to the other, and the angle or degree of rotation.Because the two compositions are dispensed from the mold shaftssimultaneously, intermixing between the two compositions will occur atthe interface between the two compositions.

Another embodiment for manufacturing the multi-composition stick productin accordance with the present invention is referred to as the floodfill method. An example flood fill system for simultaneouslymanufacturing an array or plurality of multi-color stick products isshown in FIGS. 9a-9 f. A tray 300 has one or more openings 305 definedtherein, each opening is sized to receive a container or housing 310therein. Although eight openings and associated containers are shown inFIGS. 9a-9 f, the system may be modified to accommodate any number ofopenings and containers, as desired. Typically, an array of 10×20containers is used. The containers 310 are passed through the openings305 in the tray 300 until the open end of the container is substantiallyflush with or recessed relative to the upper surface of the tray. Afterthe containers 310 have been placed in the respective openings 305, amold shaft 315 is inserted into each of the containers. In FIG. 9d, themold shaft 315 is inserted so that it contacts the closed end of thecontainer 310 and a portion of the mold shaft projects above the surfaceof the tray 300. Alternatively, the mold shaft may be inserted into onlya portion of the container, e.g. halfway, so that it does not contactthe closed end of the container. Mold shaft 315 has any desired shape,such as a heart, as shown. After inserting the mold shaft 315 into thecontainer a valve 335 is opened, as shown in FIG. 9d, and a firstcomposition 320 in a liquid state is poured onto the tray 300, wherebythe liquid spills into and fills the container around the mold shaft315. Once the inner composition cools and solidifies the mold shaft 315is removed from the container 310 thereby forming a cavity 323complementary in shape to that of the mold shaft, as shown in FIG. 9e. Asecond valve 325 is then opened to dispense a second composition 327 ina liquid state onto the tray 300, whereby the liquid spills into andfills the inner cavity left by the mold shaft 315. The top surface ofthe stick product may be finished, for example, may be scraped using aheated scraper or glazed, without mixing of the first and secondcompositions. In a preferred embodiment the excess composition isremoved, e.g., scraped, from the support tray 300 after the containerhas been filled with both the first and second compositions. This isdisadvantageous, however, in that the excess scrapings from the supporttray may not be recycled because the two compositions have formed amixture. Alternatively, the excess composition may be scraped from thesurface of the support tray after the first composition has beendispensed into the container, but before the second composition isdispensed into the container. This alternatively embodiment has thedrawback that the scrapings of the first composition may inadvertentlybe thrown into the cavity form in the container by the firstcomposition. Mold shaft 315 preferably has a relatively small holedefined longitudinally therethrough to relieve air pressure by allowingthe air to escape through the hole, thereby making removal of the moldshaft easier. A valve disposed at the top of the hole is closed duringfilling and opened when the mold shaft is removed from the container.

The flood fill system shown in FIGS. 9a-9 f may be modified so as tosimultaneously manufacture a plurality of multi-composition stickproducts. A plurality or array of mold shafts 315 are arranged on asupport, similar to the holding member 510 shown in FIG. 5, with eachmold shaft disposed substantially centered above an associated stickcomposition container 310. For example, an array of mold shafts can bearranged for insertion into lip balm containers. All of the mold shaftsin the array can be of the same shape. In another embodiment, moldshafts in a given row or column of the array may have the same shape asone another but differ from row to row or column to column. Stillanother embodiment may have the mold shafts randomly distributed so thateach mold shaft is different from all others. Alternatively, the firstcomposition may be dispensed into the container and then the mold shaftmay be inserted therein while in a liquid state. Once the firstcomposition has cooled and solidified, the mold shaft is removed toleave or form a cavity that can later be filled with a secondcomposition.

In the fill systems described above, the mold shaft 115, 315 ispreferably designed to receive the container screw or shaft 105, ifpresent. Also, the mold shaft 115, 315 is preferably tapered, e.g.,about 0.1°, with the wider end disposed towards the open end of thecontainer. The taper facilitates removal of the mold shaft afterdispensing the first composition by breaking any vacuum as soon as themold shaft is removed. Tapering is also advantageous in the nozzleapparatus.

The nozzle fill methods provide better control in filling the containerthan the flood fill methods.

A multi-composition stick product in accordance with the presentinvention may be manufactured using a combination of the nozzle fill andflood fill techniques. For example, the container may be filled with thefirst composition using the nozzle fill technique, and then the secondcomposition may be dispensed into the container using the flood filltechnique, or vice versa. It should also be noted that the differentcompositions may be arranged to form more than one predetermined imagein a longitudinal direction of the multi-composition stick product. Forinstance, the container may be filled with a stick composition in whicha first multi-color image in the lower half of the container is a heartsurrounded by a circle, while a second multi-color image in the upperhalf of the container is a broken heart surrounded by a circle. Themethods of manufacture described above may be performed while thecontainer is oriented in a vertical direction or may be tilted at apredetermined angle. For example, diagonal stripes may be formed bytilting the angle of orientation of the container.

To achieve a multi-composition stick product having a barber polestriped appearance, a mold shaft 700 in the shape of a cork screw may beused, such as that shown in FIGS. 10a-10 d. In FIG. 10a, the cork screwshaped mold shaft 700 is inserted into so that it contacts the closedend of the container 705. Alternatively, mold shaft 700 may be insertedpartially, e.g. halfway, into the container 705. In FIG. 10b, a firstcomposition 710 in a liquid state is dispensed through a first fillingnozzle 715 into the container. After the first composition 710 hascooled and solidified, the mold shaft 700 is rotated in acounter-clockwise direction and extracted from the container withoutremoving or disturbing the first composition thereby leaving cavities720, as shown in FIG. 10c. Thereafter, in FIG. 10d, the container isthen filled with a second composition 725 dispensed from a secondfilling nozzle 730, using either the nozzle fill or flood fill techniquedescribed above, and into the cavities 720. The realized pattern is thatof a barber pole.

While stick products having two compositions are shown and described, itis within the intended scope of this invention for the stick product toinclude more than two compositions.

Thus, while there have been shown, described, and pointed outfundamental novel features of the invention as applied to a preferredembodiment thereof, it will be understood that various omissions,substitutions, and changes in the form and details of the devicesillustrated, and in their operation, may be made by those skilled in theart without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Forexample, it is expressly intended that all combinations of thoseelements and/or steps which perform substantially the same function, insubstantially the same way, to achieve the same results are within thescope of the invention. Substitutions of elements from one describedembodiment to another are also fully intended and contemplated. It isalso to be understood that the drawings are not necessarily drawn toscale, but that they are merely conceptual in nature. It is theintention, therefore, to be limited only as indicated by the scope ofthe claims appended hereto. All patents, patent applications,procedures, and publications cited throughout this application arehereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

What is claimed is:
 1. A multi-color stick product, comprising: (a) acontainer having walls, said walls being substantially smooth; and (b) amolded multi-color stick composition disposed so as to be in slidingcontact with the walls of the container and be advanceable andretractable in the container, wherein all of the walls of the containerproximate to said molded stick composition are rigid throughout, thestick composition comprising: (i) a first composition; and (ii) a secondcomposition; wherein the first and second compositions differ in colorand are arranged in a predetermined non-random image that isreproducible, and wherein the stick composition appears transparent ortranslucent when applied to a substrate.
 2. The multi-composition stickproduct in accordance with claim 1, wherein the interior and exteriorcontours of the container are different.
 3. The multi-composition stickproduct in accordance with claim 1, wherein the component is amedicament, fragrance, flavorant, sunscreen, preservative, conditioner,moisturizer, emollient, or surfactant.
 4. The multi-composition stickproduct in accordance with claim 1, wherein the compositions form apredetermined discrete multicolor image.
 5. The multi-composition stickproduct in accordance with claim 4, wherein the image is a heart;evergreen tree; ying-yang; 5-pointed star; 6-pointed star; sun; circle;half and half circle; heart with an arrow; lateral stripes; diagonalstripes (barber pole); longitudinal stripes; happy face; sad face; tree;crescent moon; cross; 4-pointed star; flower; ellipse; wave; lighteningbolt; pinwheel; flag; lips; one or more alphanumeric letters; or anycombination thereof.
 6. The multi-composition stick product inaccordance with claim 4, wherein the stick composition has alongitudinal axis and for at least a portion thereof, each cross-sectionperpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the composition contains thesame multicolor image.
 7. The multi-composition stick product inaccordance with claim 1, wherein the stick composition is for topicalapplication to an animal in need thereof.
 8. The multi-composition stickproduct in accordance with claim 7, wherein the stick composition is lipbalm, lip gloss, sunscreen stick, or deodorant.
 9. The multi-compositionstick product in accordance with claim 8, wherein the stick compositionfurther comprises a medicament, a sunscreen, a preservative, aflavorant, a fragrance, a conditioner, a moisturizer, an emollient, acleansing agent, an antioxidant, an antistatic agent, a stabilizer, a pHadjuster, a surfactant, or any combination thereof.
 10. Themulti-composition stick product in accordance with claim 7, wherein thestick composition comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle. 11.The multi-color stick product in accordance with claim 1, wherein thestick product is a lip balm.
 12. A multi-composition stick product,comprising: (a) a container having walls, an exterior contour, and aninterior contour; and (b) a molded stick composition disposed so as tocontact the walls of the container and be advanceable in the container,the stick composition comprising: (i) a first composition; and (ii) asecond composition; wherein the first and second compositions differ incolor and by at least one component and the compositions are arranged ina predetermined non-random pattern that is reproducible, and wherein thestick composition appears transparent or translucent when applied to asubstrate.
 13. The multi-composition stick product in accordance withclaim 12, wherein the component is a medicament, fragrance, flavorant,sunscreen, preservative, conditioner, moisturizer, emollient, orsurfactant.
 14. The multi-composition stick product in accordance withclaim 12, wherein the compositions form a predetermined discretemulticolor image.
 15. The multi-composition stick product in accordancewith claim 14, wherein the image is a heart; evergreen tree; ying-yang;5-pointed star; 6-pointed star; sun; circle; half and half circle; heartwith an arrow; lateral stripes; diagonal stripes (barber pole);longitudinal stripes; happy face; sad face; tree; crescent moon; cross;4-pointed star; flower; ellipse; wave; lightening bolt; pinwheel; flag;lips; one or more alphanumeric letters; or any combination thereof. 16.The multi-composition stick product in accordance with claim 14, whereinthe stick composition has a longitudinal axis and for at least a portionthereof, each cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis ofthe composition contains the same multicolor image.
 17. Themulti-composition stick product in accordance with claim 12, wherein thestick composition is for topical application to an animal in needthereof.
 18. The multi-composition stick product in accordance withclaim 17, wherein the stick composition is lip balm, lip gloss,sunscreen stick, or deodorant.
 19. The multi-composition stick productin accordance with claim 21, wherein the stick composition furthercomprises a medicament, a sunscreen, a preservative, a flavorant, afragrance, a conditioner, a moisturizer, an emollient, a cleansingagent, an antioxidant, an antistatic agent, a stabilizer, a pH adjuster,a surfactant, or any combination thereof.
 20. The multi-compositionstick product in accordance with claim 17, wherein the stick compositioncomprises a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle.
 21. A multi-color stickproduct, comprising: (a) a container having walls; and (b) a moldedmulti-color stick composition disposed so as to contact the walls of thecontainer and be advanceable in the container, the stick compositioncomprising: (i) a first composition having a first color; and (ii) asecond composition having a second color that provides goodcontrast/with the first color; wherein the first composition and thesecond composition are arranged in a predetermined non-random image thatis reproducible, and wherein the stick composition appears transparentor translucent when applied to a substrate.
 22. The multi-color stickproduct in accordance with claim 21, wherein the stick product is a lipbalm.